We have all received SPAM on our mobile devices. Some of it is from companies that you have voluntarily giving your email address (such as by placing an online order)..but, Some spam may be connected to scams and other devious activities by illegitimate businesses or
individuals. They can “phish” for your information by tricking you into following links or tempting you with offers and promotions that seem too good to be true. Spam can also contain malware, scams, fraud and privacy threats. This type of spam presents a more direct threat to your privacy and the security of your information.
IF YOU THINK YOU’VE RECEIVED SPAM:
• DON’T respond to it
• DON’T open any attached files
• DON’T click any buttons to open web pages
• DO report it to help the Government of Canada hold spammers accountable https://fightspam.gc.ca
WHAT NOT TO DO WITH SPAM TEXTS
Have you ever replied to a text message with STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE?
If it is an unmistakable spam message, never respond with those words. Spammers are hitting up thousands of people in search of working contact information. When you interact, you’re saying, “Yes, this phone number belongs to someone!” That’s great news for them. It lets them know you’re a real person they should target more often. You think you’re putting an end to the noise, but you’ll just make it worse.
Report the Spam Message
• Forward the spam message to the short code 7726 (SPAM) so that an investigation can be started by your cell phone provider. If you receive a number of spam texts, it is recommended to put 7726 into your contact list so that you don’t need to remember the numbers
• Reporting Spam to 7726 is free and messages don’t count toward your data or messaging usage package
The forwarding methods will vary, depending on your phone. Here are some examples:
• iPhone:
Touch and hold the message
Select More – Select the message you want to forward, then select the Arrow in the bottom right corner
Enter 7726
Select Send
Apple also has instructions on their website on how to block numbers, filter messages from unknown senders, and report iMessages that look like spam
• Android and Windows:
Press the message (being careful not to activate a link)
Choose Forward (from the menu)
Forward to 7726
• BlackBerry:
Open the message
Using the Menu key select Forward
Forward to 7726
Canada’s anti-spam legislation (CASL) protects consumers and businesses from the misuse of digital technology, including spam and other electronic threats. https://fightspam.gc.ca